Commemoration Service for John Mason7th June 2008 Collect for Commemoration of John Mason God of all times and places, who in this parish inspired John Mason to tell of your greatness and mercy through his words and in his life: may we too show your love in our words and deeds, rejoice in singing your praises, and look forward to the coming of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This memorial to The Revd John Mason was unveiled by the Bishop of Buckingham, The Rt Revd Alan Wilson. About seventy people attended the Commemoration Service, in which they sang three of Mason's hymns and listened to historical information about Mason's life and work and an interesting address from Bishop Alan. St Giles Water Stratford Commemoration Service JOHN MASON 1645 – 1694 Rector of this parish 1674 – 1694 Address and Dedication of Memorial by the Bishop of Buckingham The Rt Revd Alan Wilson MA DPhil Saturday 7th June 2008 WELCOME HYMN Christ is made the sure foundation, John Mason Neale 1818-66 Tune Westminster Abbey, Henry Purcell 1658-95 TALK John Mason and Water Stratford HYMN How shall I sing that majesty, John Mason 1683 Tune Coe Fen, Kenneth Naylor 1931-91 READING Ecclesiasticus 44 vv 1-15 (extract) HYMN I found the pearl of greatest price, John Mason 1683 Tune Bishopthorpe, Jeremiah Clarke 1674-1707 ADDRESS The Bishop of Buckingham HYMN Now from the altar of my heart, John Mason 1683 Tune Kingsfold, arr Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958 PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION LORD’S PRAYER READING Revelation 21 vv 1-7 HYMN Ye holy angels bright, Richard Baxter 1615-91 Tune Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall 1731-89 All move outside during third and fourth verses READING Church Path UNVEILING AND DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL COLLECT AND BLESSING All process through the church, following John Mason’s journey home through the priest’s door to The Old Rectory, where refreshments will be provided. |